ONE DRIVE: Saab 900 Turbo SPG

Justin is.... A quirky guy. Sure he loves big Audis with 4.2 V8s hanging off of the nose, but he also loves..... Saab?
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[@dariusdise]

Back in the 90's, I owned a used 900 and then had a 9000 used. Till this day, no other cars or trucks have made me more happy to have.

[@BWTECH0521]

saab 900 is a great example of a car that doesn't seem special on paper but once you own and drive it it is definitely special. I don't own one but I've heard from various number of owners. I hope to own one some day. For now, my 9-5 is a joy to drive! Great review, looking forward to the updates! Subbed :)

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks for watching! We really appreciate it!

[@RetrocarStyle]

Well said. If i could explain the experience, its a mix of 3 cars, 420SEL Mercedes, A2 Golf Gti and a 930 Porsche 911.

[@mattiasottosson6368]

SAAB, safe as a Volvo, built like a Mercedes and drives like a BMW! Saab 900 ❤

[@busterhymen6224]

Hello, I just bought a 1986 900spg on bring a trailer on Dec. 26, 2023 For $1001. It is a project car, but it was cheap. I got it for a palindrome, and the seller was really cool.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Nice! For modern prices that certainly a deal! May it be fun to work on and running the end! Justin

[@curttaylor7841]

I owned a 80 900 turbo It was a nightmare being young only 19 but I loved that car. Through it all motor swap to a 78 non turbo thanks to Dennis Sweeney Saab cars and parts in Ligonier Pa eventually drunk driving in my twenties rolled it over and that car saved me and my friends life. Truly built with safety in mind im telling you all that car saves lives

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Wow! I can relate that the cars can be temperamental depending on how it was cared for before and if it was built on a Friday! And I'm glad you guys survived all in all. I'm sure that was a big wake up call as well. The cars are shockingly solid form a body standpoint

[@lloydfranks1357]

I own a 97 9000 CSE. It is a dream to drive! 225 hp turbo 4 cyl. 200k + miles! In that time it has had a head gaskit repair and 4 sets of breaks a new Radiator and routine maintenance the interior Has a single crack in driver's seat cover and the best five speed in history bar none. I am going to drive this car in to Bankruptcy!! great heated seats too!

[@pleasethink4789]

Dude! That Saab.....love, love, love it! What am I doing. Why don't I have one of these? I've been waiting since 1987 in high school! very nice...congrats!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thank you! Honestly right now is the time. They're still cheap and (most) parts are still available. I don't imagine these will ever have a crazy big hay day but I do think they will appreciate as more people appreciate them! Justin

[@not.viralax]

beautiful car! still don't know how you don't have more exposure/views there is so much passion coming from these videos, good job

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks a ton for the compliment! We're getting there but the content game is a long one 😀

[@not.viralax]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed and i wish you the best of luck for that, you deserve it!

[@johnlj10]

Growing up in Sweden my father had three Saab 900 OG and one 900 NG, the last of the OG's was a red Turbo. A few years ago, my Nissan 200sx S13 was stolen and I borrowed an OG 900 Turbo 8-valve from a family friend. It was somewhat beaten up but drove great having gone 140k miles. I returned it after buying an OG 9-3 2.0T. Didn't really think about the T8 until I heard it was sold for 3 000 SEK ($300). I realised I missed out on owning my dream car, as a child I actually had a poster of a 900 Aero on my wall. Great video, there's simply something about the Saabs, this makes me miss them even more...

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

That's awesome! The T8 cars are pretty rare here in the U.S. but I've heard they're fun on their own right!

[@johnlj10]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed Sadly I've forgotten how the different Saabs drive, the older ones are becoming very rare over here (road salt is probably the biggest culprit). I do however think that "Saab-feeling" is somewhat preserved even in newer 9-3s and 9-5s. It reminds me of the difference between a BMW E30 (I've driven those extensively) and a post 2000 model 3-series. The word "soul" comes to mind. I prefer older models genrally, got my eye on a couple of 9000 2.3Ts in my area which might come up for sale soon.

[@adamh9077]

Just got a 86 SPG last week and I've already modded it with all sorts of universal parts. It's definitely night and day difference with the APC stage 4 unit.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Congratulations!

[@adamh9077]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed I reside in eastern Oregon not far from Idaho border. I noticed your plates are Utah....is there a decent following of Saabs there?

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

There's a decent amount overall! Not huge but dedicated. Since you're near Idaho lookup Idaho Saab mob and there may be some people close to you!

[@adamh9077]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed also I live in the same place as the biggest saab collector in north America lives.....he has like 300 cars. If you ever need something then let me know

[@joekrepps]

I. owned a '87 9kT and loved it!! When it needed service, the SAAB garage (not a dealer) I went to, had 900's for loaners. They had at least 200,000 miles. They were stick but the linkage was so worn, you had to "use The Force, Luke" to find the gears. They were incredibly stable in side winds! If you drive a 900 over a long bridge with lots of wind from the side, you'd NEVER know it. It went dead straight. The center console ignition was fun. It's been over 20 years since I owned my 9kT and I'd love to have any SAAB again.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Get one while you still can! Maybe a 900 Turbo without worn linkage 😉 Thanks for watching! -Gavin

[@stevel9914]

No-one ever bought a saab because they wanted to impress someone. It was always because they wanted one for themself. It's nice when someone takes an interest but it's icing on the cake . Steve Lewis SAAB

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Yep that much I agree too! All of the individuals I know and I have bought them because we love them, not too show off. Which I think keeps the community pretty steady and nice! Justin

[@SuperMcgenius]

I have owned 7 Saabs/ 4 900’s. My fav was my 900 turbo with some mods. Yes they work in the real world .

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Nice! What mods did it have?

[@indrekpoiss]

Nice vid! Love Saabs!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate it!

[@paulseitz672]

Love the details but you had me at SAAB!

[@fearnoproject2047]

Had an 89 SPG with Swedish Dynamic tune. Crazy fast, well beyond what is safe, and left me grinning every time boost kicked in and tried to kill me. No other car like it. Been through 8 or so Saabs since, settling on a Viggen, it's much more civilized but still ridiculously powerful genuinesaab-outfitted St3 grandson. Saab is AWESOME.

[@fearnoproject2047]

Will always regret selling her. The Viggen is amazing, but nothing else is like a C900. I will have another someday.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Damn those are pretty sweet and rare! A fast 900 is an interesting treat because it's not necessarily fast by modern standards, but way visceral!

[@fearnoproject2047]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed visceral is a very good way to put it. Few cars have excited and scared me at the same time.

[@noahman27]

One of my Total dream cars the 900s Turbo SPG!!!!! I hope you're loving it! We had tons of SAABs over the years. One of our favs was our 4 door hatchback 1979 SAAB 99 TURBO with sunroof and the Aztech rims!! Tons of Turbo lag - hahahaha- and sooooo much fun. Greetings from Boston

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Funny thing! My car is from the greater Boston area. I picked it up for Worcester! And fortunately I absolutely love it! - Justin

[@jamesk3565]

That Saab is pretty cool, hopefully you do an update when it hits 400k

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks as always for watching James! It will probably get a mild restoration by that point due to rust concerns. Maybe a retirement party at 401k? Haha

[@jamesk3565]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed I like that 401k retirement 🤣

[@AlexandrValakh]

Thanks for the awesome video, great summary! Have had my 900 turbo Aero for about a year now, and absolutely love the car. It looks fantastic, feels great to drive and is super practical. Smiles per miles guaranteed.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Absolutely! It was practically my truck for many years with how easy it is to load stuff in and out of the back!

[@danielkershaw5998]

your 900 is a brilliant example

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thank you! It's far from a show piece, but a good survivor example of how long they can last if cared for! -Justin

[@trollhattanclassics]

Fantastic sound quality and a stunning 900! You should keep the name "One Drive",the name fits perfectly

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks a ton! We may do that as we agree it does fit well! Justin

[@intrepid5684]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I'm on my 7th Saab. My first Saab that I fell in love with was a 1998, 900 5 speed turbo, 2 door hard top. I sold it due to rust issues. I've owned NG's, a 1999 Viggen, 9-3's and 1967 96 V4. But I always wanted to get back to that classic 900, so I just picked up 1991 900 5 speed 2 door hard top. I fell in love all over again.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Nice! They're pretty addicting cars and unique at that.

[@Bennjohnb15]

What a great video! What a beautiful 900! Im never getting rid of my saab wouldnt want to drive anything else.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks for watching!

[@baileybehzadi2308]

Wish Saab was still around! I have a 02 9-5 wagon I’m modifying and it’s great! Even compared to my Subaru STI the Saab has something special.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Nice! The OG 9-5 wagons are one of my favorites. -Justin

[@daryljoseph]

Same. I have an 02' and an 03' both Aero's. I've also had a 91' S.P.G. and an 89' 4 door n/a 900. The 9-5 wagons are the best by far!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

They are definitely a special breed. I prefer the older cars myself, but I have several friends with OG 9-5 wagons and they are tons of fun -Justin

[@cardinal528]

Sweet saab dude! Working on my 86 Turbo head gasket right now and cant wait to get it out. P.S. The 900 should be around 2900lbs!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks! Hopefully the head gasket goes smooth! And that's interesting! I may have to go weigh mine at a scale, as I've found some conflicting info on curb weight. I had seen and been told they averaged between 3300-3400 lbs, but the 2900 lbs figure exists as well. I may go do that and see what I discover haha

[@carolinacars739]

Yeah, the 900 "classic" should be around 2800lbs. The 3400 figure may be for a later new gen 900. Great looking car, and yes, the engines can go that long! However, I'm shocked that the rust has not completely decimated this car by now!

[@sandersson2813]

I heard on another site they were 1250-1500kg.

[@RetrocarStyle]

Oh wait...I remember this guy!! I was wondering what happened to the saab! WELCOME BACK MAN!!😅 I had remembered i mentioned. I had watched your original video about this car like 10 times!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Haha thanks! Fortunately the Saab is still around and everything is working good! - Justin

[@JS-yj7ow]

Nice vid. I never drive mine in the snow tho (‘92 vert), but neither are you in reality . And I certainly wouldn’t if I was back in the Midwest. I’d love an SPG too, but no where to keep one safe at the moment. And anyone who knows how to drive really doesn’t need ABS. That’s skill. Keep these beauts alive!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks! I actually drive mine in the snow a surprising amount! It does quite well and maintain what I can to keep salt off. And I can totally understand the reservation with not having a place. This car parked outside for four years before it got a permanent garage spot. I very much appreciate abs in later cars, but in these where it was a late afterthought addition, it doesn't work well enough for me to want it Justin

[@JS-yj7ow]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed My ‘87 XJ gets snow / rain duty. It’s parked on the street, and a constant theft target. No way could I worry about two classics that way. I know the Swedes build a capable snow-vehicle, and I have taken the 900 up for ski-tours when the roads are guaranteed clear, even in 20 weather, but it’s the other drivers that worry me.

[@preamble466]

What a great explanation of what makes a real Saab a Saab. One, question: what happened to the steering wheel that was installed in the original photos?

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Ah great question! That was a Carlsson steering wheel and it was the only thing not included in the purchase sadly. He wanted to keep it as a memento of owning the car

[@basilebodarddelignieres9696]

Hey love your video and your car ! What's the name of the part on the back window, the blind / awning (that looks like the one on a Lotus esprit S1). Thx !!

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks! Those are Louvers! They were fairly common in this era, but expensive to find in good condition with the hardware -Justin

[@jeanlawson9133]

I put 478,000 miles on a SAAB. They're a special automobile...

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Wooooo! Way to go Jean! Thanks for watching!

[@centralscrutenhagen5267]

Knew someone who had 4 of them.

[@houseking9211]

pretty sure the og900 spgs were around 2900lbs, so pretty light, similar to a modern gr86 or s2k. Even the NG900s and OG9-3s were around 3100-3200lbs. The OG9-5 aeros (sedan) were almost exactly 3400lbs with a full 18.5 gallon tank of fuel though

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

I've seen lots of conflicting information, so one of these days I may just go to a scale with my SPG and weigh it for a definitive answer haha. Mine will be lighter since all of the AC components were removed, but I'm seriously curious. Justin

[@houseking9211]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed Yeah, we have an 86 900 turbo, which should be almost the exact same weight, it is definitely NOT 3400lbs and doesn't feel it. Would be interesting to find out exactly though.

[@NADworker]

is this saab guy the one that did an intro to his saab 900 many years ago?? somekidwith was his youtube channel??

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Amazingly yes! That was my video all of those years ago and the same exact car! Time has definitely flown Justin

[@NADworker]

@@ExhibitionofSpeed good to hear from you man! Glad to see you still have that car! That video that you made back then was an excellent intro to the 900! In fact the best I could find on youtube!

[@justin_san_souci]

I live right near Syracuse Utah. I have a 2019 Golf R and a 2005 9-5 Aero. Would love to check out each others vehicles, if you are local?

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Woah! Small world! Let's do it!

[@user-gj1by3id6s]

You should check wheel bearings and stuff. My 1991 900 spg gets 35mpg even when i drive lead-footed.

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

The max I've ever gotten is 27 MPG. Mine is a little dialed up though and is Generally driven more around town

[@user-ol1qm9ey7g]

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[@hamishbrown9778]

Saabs are cool ! good motors forget bmw,audi, mercs

[@thomasryan5394]

great cars. too much talking

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Thanks for watching!

[@1unsung971]

This could have been done in 4 minutes max

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Go make a better video then.

[@1unsung971]

Done that already. It wasn't at all verbose, like yours. People don't have time to listen to unrehearsed, unstructured whittering from a presenter who has not prepared properly. I hope your next effort is an improvement. Also my car is in better shape than yours and more interesting. Funny that.@@ExhibitionofSpeed

[@ExhibitionofSpeed]

Pull up and send it to our Instagram then. We'll get back to you. -Gavin

[@1unsung971]

Instagram is not my thing. @@ExhibitionofSpeed